POLICE are still trying to trace a van driver who may be a vital witness to an armed robbery in Leigh.

Two masked men fired a shotgun in the air after robbing two security staff delivering cash to a cash machine outside United Co-op Late Shop in Manchester Road, Astley, on Tuesday afternoon last week.

The blue 04-registered Suzuki GSX 1400cc motorbike pulled up alongside the delivery guards shortly after 1.30pm.

The driver remained on the bike, while the passenger threatened the guards with a sawn-off shotgun.

A large quantity of cash was handed over before the men drove off down North Lane, firing the gun in the air as they went. The bike had been reported stolen from Phaeton Close, Howe Bridge, Leigh, on July 28. It was later found abandoned in Hadbutt Lane, Astley.

Police would like to speak to the driver of a blue van, possibly a Ford Escort or Vauhall Astra, which was seen in the area where the bike was abandoned.

It drove off from Hadbutt Lane, turning right on to Manchester Road and went towards Leigh.

The van had the word "Diamond" written on it in white and possibly the word "Windows".

Anyone with information should call Leigh CID on 0161 856 7253 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.